Empire Mall Supports Events Center

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The final outcome of an Events Center in Sioux Falls will likely come from voters in the city. But the business community has much on the line when it comes to the future of the project.

Many Sioux Falls residents make frequent stops at the Empire Mall. So do out-of-town visitors.

"We know from a tourism standpoint that anytime visitors are coming into our community, they do primarily two things. They eat and they shop," Empire Mall Marketing Manager Chrissy Spoo said.

Events that draw people into Sioux Falls are always very obvious to managers here at the mall. They say any event that brings people into town will benefit their businesses and others.

That's why Spoo says the mall is for anything that can draw more people into town. However, she's not weighing in on the location debate, mostly because, she says, once people are in town, they'll search for businesses to support.

"What is good for Sioux Falls is good for everyone. Regardless of location, an Events Center is going to be a positive thing for our community," Spoo said.

With that added shopping comes added tax revenue. And Spoo says those benefits are good for the entire town, and businesses in every corner of the city.

"Restaurants, bars, shopping centers like the mall, like downtown, like the Dawley Farm Village.  We all benefit when those visitors come to town," Spoo said.

Spoo says she's hopeful that more information will continued to be shared with the people of Sioux Falls, and in the end, voters will be able to make a well-informed decision.